Halloween Safety

Halloween may be a
fun holiday for kids, but for
parents, trick-or-treat time can
be a little troublesome. Concerns
about children’s safety can cast a spell on
the evening’s festivity. Following a few
safety tips will ensure that Halloween will
be a good time for all.

Before children start out on their trick-or-treat
rounds, parents should:

Make sure an adult or older responsible
youth will be supervising children under
age 12.

Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters
will follow.

Tell your children to stop only at houses or
apartment buildings that are well-lit and
never to enter a stranger’s home.

Establish a return time.

Costumes

Only fire-retardant materials should be used
for costumes.

Costumes should be loose so warm clothes
can be worn underneath.

Costumes should not be so long that they are
a tripping hazard.

Strips of reflective tape on costumes will
make children more visible.

Knives, swords and other accessories should
be made from cardboard or flexible
materials. Do not allow children to carry
sharp objects.

Bags or sacks carried by youngsters
should be light-colored or trimmed
with reflective tape if children are
allowed out after dark.

Carrying flashlights will help children see
better and be seen more clearly.

Consider using facial make-up instead of
masks that can obstruct a child’s vision.

The Columbia Police
Department urges
citizens to be alert on Halloween.

When driving:

Watch for children
darting out from between
parked cars.

Watch for children
walking on roadways,
medians and curbs.

Enter and exit driveways
and alleys carefully.

At home:

Remove trip hazards from your
front yard and sidewalks.

Restrain aggressive
or overly-friendly
pets before opening
the door to trick or treaters.

For Older Children

Instead of letting your older kids
get bored or even mischievous this
Halloween, try alternatives to trick or
treating.

Put your older children in charge of
distributing treats to neighborhood
kids. Or, have them help make
Halloween safe for others by
volunteering to supervise
neighborhood children or younger
siblings as they go door-to-door.

Allow older children to host a
Halloween sleepover at your home.
Rent scary movies and have plenty
of snacks available.